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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/04/2014 - SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 024, 2014, APPROPRAgenda Item 14 Item # 14 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY March 4, 2014 City Council STAFF Paul Sizemore, FC Moves Program Manager SUBJECT Second Reading of Ordinance No. 024, 2014, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the Keep Fort Collins Great Fund to Fund Further Development of the West Central Neighborhoods Plan. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on February 18, 2014, appropriates $170,000 of KFCG Other Transportation Reserve funds for consulting services associated with the Transportation Element of the West Central Neighborhoods Plan. An update of the plan is scheduled for 2014. The requested funding enhances the overall planning effort by including an analysis of the neighborhood transportation network, consideration of growth on and around the Colorado State University campus, recommendations and strategies, and detailed corridor vision and design for Prospect Road between College Avenue and Shields Street. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on Second Reading. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION At the First Reading of Ordinance No. 024, 2014, City Council discussed the relationship of the West Central Neighborhoods Plan to other efforts including mitigation strategies for a potential on-campus stadium at CSU. Additional information has been included for the second reading in order to clarify these relationships. The West Central Neighborhoods Plan is representative of the 16 Area Plans within the City of Fort Collins. These plans allow the application of City Plan at a scale appropriate to neighborhood areas and districts of the City. Area plans typically include elements expanding on land use, urban design, transportation, and other key topics. They take into consideration the expected growth and development within the plan area, but they do not typically evaluate the impact of specific development projects. It should be noted that the current plan is titled “West Central Neighborhoods Plan,” while the new document under development will be renamed “West Central Area Plan.” New attachments will reflect this change. The Planning, Development, and Transportation (PDT) Service Area is also working with City Management to develop a process for evaluating and mitigating the impacts of an on-campus stadium. Additional information related to this project is being provided to City Council separately from this AIS. This appropriation ordinance is critical to the success of the larger West Central Area Plan effort because it provides funding to support a robust analysis of the transportation network, modeling and forecasting of the future condition of the system, and a more detailed preliminary design for a highly constrained segment of Prospect Road. Without this supplementary funding, the new plan will lack the depth of analysis to provide these detailed transportation recommendations for the Plan Area as a whole, or design options for Prospect Road. Per City Council’s request at First Reading, the following items have been included for consideration: Agenda Item 14 Item # 14 Page 2 Attachment 1: Agenda Item Summary from the first reading. Attachment 2: West Central Area Plan Neighborhoods Map. This map shows the plan area boundaries and identifies the names of the constituent neighborhoods. Attachment 3: Fort Collins Area Plan Map. This attachment identifies all 16 of the currently adopted Area Plans within the City. Attachment 4: Original West Central Neighborhoods Plan Offer (without transportation enhancements proposed by this appropriation). This document reflects the general scope of the project as approved by City Council during the last Budgeting for Outcomes process. Attachment 5: West Central Area Plan Final Project Scope (including transportation enhancements proposed by this appropriation). This document reflects the final project scope if this appropriation ordinance is adopted. Attachment 6: West Central Area Plan Project Schedule. This is the anticipated timeline for the completion of tasks outlined in the final scope Attachment 7: Development Review Flow Chart. This provides a brief overview of the steps that a private developer follows to design and construct public infrastructure necessary to address development impacts. The Ordinance was amended on First Reading to reflect the correct focus area on Prospect Road. ATTACHMENTS 1. First Reading Agenda Item Summary, February 18, 2014 (PDF) 2. WCAP Neighborhoods Map (PDF) 3. Fort Collins Area Plans (PDF) 4. Original WCNP Offer (PDF) 5. WCAP Final Scope (PDF) 6. WCAP Project Schedule (PDF) 7. Development Review Flow Chart (PDF) 8. Powerpoint presentation (PDF) Agenda Item 4 Item # 4 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY February 18, 2014 City Council STAFF Paul Sizemore, FC Moves Program Manager SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 024, 2014, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the Keep Fort Collins Great Fund to Fund Further Development of the West Central Neighborhoods Plan. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to appropriate $170,000 of KFCG Other Transportation Reserve funds for consulting services associated with the Transportation Element of the West Central Neighborhoods Plan. An update of the plan is scheduled for 2014. The requested funding enhances the overall planning effort by including an analysis of the neighborhood transportation network, consideration of growth on and around the Colorado State University campus, recommendations and strategies, and detailed corridor vision and design for Prospect Road between College Avenue and Shields Street. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION The West Central Neighborhoods Plan (1999) generally encompasses the neighborhoods south and west of the Colorado State University (CSU) main campus. The planning area includes commercial and institutional uses as well as the highest residential density of any planning area in the City. In the time since the plan’s adoption, the area has developed and evolved. Additionally, CSU continues to grow its student population and expand on-campus facilities. In order to address these changing dynamics, Planning Services is scheduled to complete an update of the Plan in 2014. Preliminary conversations with area residents indicate significant concerns about transportation facilities and services, especially along the Prospect Road Corridor from College Avenue to Shields Street. The 2014 update of the West Central Neighborhoods Plan presents an opportunity to realize efficiencies by coordinating the neighborhood plan, circulation planning, and the design of this crucial segment of Prospect Road. By enhancing the transportation element of the plan and including preliminary design for this part of the Prospect Corridor, the needs and concerns of the neighborhood can be better addressed. At the same time, this project will inform a future corridor planning effort to address all seven miles of Prospect Road as contemplated by the Transportation Master Plan. An enhanced transportation element will also provide critical baseline data for assessing the impacts of a possible on-campus stadium. The transportation element will promote the development of a corridor and network that are functional, safe, and identifiable for pedestrians, bicycles, buses, and cars. The project will include a review of existing conditions, identifying and addressing data needs, establishing a transportation vision, coordinating with CSU regarding campus development and stadium impacts, recommending updates to existing network plans and policies, developing design alternatives for Prospect Road, evaluating alternatives, and producing a preliminary design (30% complete) for the preferred alternative corridor plan. ATTACHMENT 1 Agenda Item 4 Item # 4 Page 2 FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACT This Ordinance appropriates $170,000 of KFCG Other Transportation Reserves for consulting services associated with the development of the Transportation Element. These funds will supplement the $135,000 previously approved by City Council for consulting services to update the land use, housing, and urban design elements of updating the Plan. By combining the transportation and corridor planning aspects of this project with the scheduled Plan update, a single consulting team may be used to serve both the land use and transportation needs. Considerable efficiencies will be realized by conducting a single program of public outreach and engagement, and by sharing data and design concepts between the land use and transportation modeling phases of the project. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The current transportation infrastructure in the planning area is subject to numerous deficiencies, including narrow or absent sidewalks and bike lanes, constrained segments, and lack of parking facilities. The Transportation Element will identify opportunities to improve the availability of modal choices and to manage automobile congestion. Both modal shift and congestion management are factors that contribute to improvements in greenhouse gas emissions and reductions in fossil fuel consumption. PUBLIC OUTREACH The recommendation to include transportation and corridor planning in the West Central Neighborhoods Plan update is a result of preliminary public feedback received by Planning Services. Once initiated, the project will include an extensive program of public engagement and opportunities for residents to participate in the planning and design process. West Central Area Plan Neighborhoods CITY OF FORT COLLINS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAP PRODUCTS These map products and all underlying data are developed for use by the City of Fort Collins for its internal purposes only, and were not designed or intended for general use by members of the public. The City makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness, and in particular, its accuracy in labeling or displaying dimensions, contours, property boundaries, or placement of location of any map features thereon. THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY FOR FITNESS OF USE FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THESE MAP PRODUCTS OR THE UNDERLYING DATA. Any users of these map products, map applications, or data, accepts them AS IS, WITH ALL FAULTS, and assumes all responsibility of the use thereof, and further covenants and agrees to hold the City harmless from and against all damage, loss, or liability arising from any use of this map product, in consideration of the City's having made this information available. Independent verification of all data contained herein should be obtained by any users of these products, or underlying data. The City disclaims, and shall not be held liable for any and all damage, loss, or liability, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, which arises or may arise from these map products or the use thereof by any person or entity. Printed: February 25, 2014 Legend West Central Area Parcels 0 0.15 0.3 0.45 0.6 Miles Scale 1:22,206 © Moore South Sheldon Lake City Park Heights City Park Heights Prospect/ Shields Lake Street Homes Sheely Addition Foothills Green Village West Lexington Green The Preserve Heatheridge Lakes North Campus West Orchard Rams Village CSU Main Campus CSU South Campus W ELIZABETH ST W LAUREL ST W DRAKE RD S TAFT HILL RD S COLLEGE AVE REMINGTON ST S MASON ST S HOWES ST 2013-14 BFO Long Range Planning Offer Results Team: Community & Neighborhood Livability Offer Name 40.3 KFCG: West Central Neighborhoods Plan Update Offer Summary This offer funds a project to update and initiate key implementation actions of the 1999 West Central Neighborhoods Plan. The Plan provides a vision for the area, and serves as the basis for land use regulations, housing policies, transportation practices, and historic preservation in the West Central Neighborhoods area. Recent major issues have been raised by citizens, prompting Council to request an earlier update to the Plan than otherwise scheduled. These issues involve student housing, historic preservation, transportation, an on-campus stadium, and other topics. The Plan would be analyzed for its direction on these and other related issues. If current policies and strategies are insufficient, then they would be updated. In addition, this project would seek to clarify or initiate key implementation actions. The update would incorporate new information from related planning efforts in the area, including the Student Housing Action Plan, Land Use Code amendments regarding compatibility, City Code amendments regarding historic preservation, and new Colorado State University initiatives. Funding ($135,500) would be used for consulting support and project related expenses. Existing Long Range Planning staff would manage the project. The outcome of this project would be more awareness and agreement about the acceptable levels and kinds of change that are appropriate in the West Central Neighborhoods area. More specifically, the result would be better, more compatible development projects and a clarified strategy for implementing Plan action items. Offer Detail The West Central Neighborhoods are a composite of several individual neighborhoods centered around the intersection of Prospect Road and Shields Street near the Colorado State University Main Campus. There are a mix of older and newer neighborhoods with various characteristics, all of which are influenced to one degree or another by proximity to Colorado State University. One notable fact about the area is that it has the highest population density of any area in Fort Collins. The 1999 Plan was initiated and guided by a diverse group of citizens representing business owners, property owners, residents, developers, Planning and Zoning Board members, and the general public. The Plan was literally developed by the residents and constituents of the neighborhoods through the work of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. City staff played a resource and advisory role in the development of the Plan. Recent major issues have been raised in the West Central Neighborhoods area prompting Council to request an earlier update to the Plan than otherwise scheduled. These issues have been around the following topics: - A growing number of student housing project proposals - Neighborhood compatibility of new development (design and intensity) - Development proposals on sites with identified historic resources - On-campus stadium proposal and other Colorado State University initiatives - Cut through traffic and parking on neighborhood streets - The overall impact of various development projects on the area - Concerns about how the West Central Neighborhoods Plan is being implemented Many of these issues are already being addressed through separate planning and outreach efforts. These related efforts include: 1) Student Housing Action Plan: Neighborhood Resources staff is working with stakeholders to address the increasing need for student housing, identify possible key areas for development, and identify potential impacts and compatibility issues. 2) Land Use Code neighborhood compatibility and transition standards: Long Range Planning staff is leading an effort to update the Land Use Code to enhance these standards. 3) Historic Preservation ordinance: CDNS is undertaking an effort to update the Municipal Code regarding Historic Preservation. 4) On-campus stadium: CSU is undertaking a feasibility assessment. The first task in the update will be to assess Plan policies and strategies in terms of how well they address these issues. Updates may be necessary to the policies to reflect changed conditions and new directions. In addition, this effort will be focused in on the implementation of key action items, particularly the ones related to hot topics. Since the Plan was largely the work of citizens, very extensive involvement with area and community stakeholders will be required. Funds are being requested for consulting services and project-related expenses ($135,500). A consultant team would perform the bulk of time-intensive tasks with oversight from existing Long Range Planning staff who will provide project management, interdepartmental coordination, and final quality control. Staff does not have capacity to execute the project without the funding. Linkage to RFR Purchasing Strategies Links to purchasing strategy #4 - This offer is in direct alignment with Community and Neighborhood Livability by preserving the character of the neighborhoods, supporting historic preservation, infill compatibility, attractive neighborhoods, and a diverse supply of quality housing. Links to purchasing strategy # 9 – This offer strengthens partnerships with the City, neighborhood groups, CSU, Landmark Preservation Commission, and Poudre School District. Personnel Changes This Offer does not create or delete any FTE positions. Explanation for Account 519999 (Other Personnel Costs) N/A Performance Measures Participants express satisfaction with the West Central Neighborhoods Plan update process. In a survey of meeting attendees (and potentially other forms of outreach, to be determined), 80% agree or strongly agree with the statement: “Overall, the event met my expectations.” Attachment N/A Offer in prior budget cycle N/A Offer Type KFCG Enhancement Capital Project Offer N/A Offer Status Draft Offers that this offer depends on N/A Offer Staffing, Expenses & Funding List FTEs: 0 Identify Expenses: Purchased Professional & Technical Services - $125,000 Other expenses: $10,500 Funding source: KFCG – Other Community Page 1 of 12 West Central Area Plan Scope February 2014 BACKGROUND Adopted in 1999, the previous West Central Neighborhoods Plan provides a vision for the area, and serves as the basis for land use regulations, housing policies, transportation practices, and historic preservation in the West Central Area. Current policies, strategies, and actions are expected to warrant updating. Others may be found to remain valid as written. In addition, this project will seek to clarify or initiate key implementation actions. The update will incorporate new information from related planning efforts in the area, including the Student Housing Action Plan, Land Use Code amendments regarding compatibility, City Code amendments regarding historic preservation, other City of Fort Collins projects, and new Colorado State University (CSU) initiatives. Outcomes of this project will include: • Greater consensus about the vision and acceptable levels/types of change in the area • Better communication and increased awareness about the vision and future character of the area • Clear strategy for implementing Plan action items • Increased predictability related to future developments and projects • Compatibility of new development with the vision for the area The West Central Area is a composite of several individual neighborhoods centered on the intersection of Prospect Road and Shields Street near the CSU Main Campus. There are mixes of older and newer neighborhoods with various characteristics, all of which are influenced to one degree or another by proximity to CSU. One notable aspect of the area is that it has the highest population density of any area in Fort Collins. The 1999 Plan was initiated and guided by a diverse group of citizens representing business and property owners, residents, developers, Planning and Zoning Board members, and the general public. The Plan content was literally developed by the residents and constituents of the neighborhoods through the work of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. City staff played a resource and advisory role in the development of the Plan. A similar advisory committee and/or working groups are anticipated for this update process, with the specific role to be determined in the startup phase. Recently, issues have been raised by residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the West Central Area, prompting City Council to request this update to the Plan. Examples include: • A growing number of student housing development proposals • Neighborhood compatibility of new development (design and intensity) • Development proposals on, or adjacent to, sites with identified historic resources • Greater number of structures becoming potentially eligible for historic designation Page 2 of 12 • A potential on-campus stadium proposal and other CSU building initiatives • Recent and planned student population growth at CSU • Cut-through traffic and parking on neighborhood streets • The overall impact of various development projects on the area • Transportation (Prospect Road design, pedestrian projects, connections to Mason Corridor) • Concerns about how the Plan is being implemented Some of these issues are already being addressed through separate planning and outreach efforts. These related efforts include: 1) Student Housing Action Plan: Neighborhood Services recently completed a study to address the increasing need for student housing and potential impacts and compatibility issues. 2) Land Use Code neighborhood compatibility and transition standards: Updates to certain Land Use Code standards for compatible development are currently being considered. 3) Historic Preservation Ordinance: Updates to the Municipal Code regarding Historic Preservation are currently being considered. 4) On-campus stadium: CSU is currently undertaking a feasibility assessment. 5) Fort Collins and CSU Bicycle Plans: The City of Fort Collins and CSU are both in the process of updating their bicycle plans. Coordination of these related efforts is required to assess what other issues need to be addressed during this update process. Plan Area The Plan area encompasses approximately three square miles, bounded on the south along Drake Road, Mason Corridor, Lake Street, and Shields Street on the east, Mulberry Street to the north, and Taft Hill Road on the west (see Map). Process The WCAP will be developed through four distinct phases, which will include community and stakeholder engagement throughout: • Phase 1: Project Initiation/Existing Conditions Develop a background assessment of existing conditions, issues, analysis, and community engagement process; • Phase 2: Reconfirm Plan Vision/Frameworks Page 3 of 12 Reaffirm the plan vision and land use/transportation framework; • Phase 3: Plan Development Reaffirm policies and develop strategies to address key opportunities and issues; and • Phase 4: Plan Implementation/Adoption Develop an implementation action plan, and new document. Project Initiation/Existing Conditions In the first phase of the process, a public engagement plan will be developed by the staff team, and background land use and transportation information will be collected. This will include an assessment of the broad context and character of the area, including a review of existing adopted plans and other planning information. Work will also include data assessment and analysis of existing and future conditions, mapping, and building on initial list of issues to be addressed. Reconfirm Plan Vision/Frameworks The second phase will begin with a visioning process that will be innovative and engaging, with broad involvement from the neighborhoods. The adopted vision is expected to capture the imagination while building on neighborhood strengths. This phase will also include developing and evaluating alternative land use scenarios for determining a preferred framework map, with emphasis on protecting the desired character of established neighborhoods and districts within the planning area. This framework integrates existing and future land use, transportation, and natural systems and open lands into a composite map, while establishing a basis for policy direction. Plan Development The third phase sets a process to update existing policies and identify new policy direction, as needed. A range of strategy options will be identified to address issues, opportunities, and policy directives based on potential land use and transportation scenarios. Policy and strategy options will be evaluated in relation to the vision for the neighborhoods, as well as economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Plan Implementation/Adoption The fourth phase will include developing an action plan that will implement the recommended strategy options. The action plan will include priorities, phasing, roles, and funding for implementation. The remaining steps in this phase include developing the plan document and the formal plan adoption process. Community Engagement Effective and extensive community engagement will be critical to the success of this plan update. As part of the planning process, a public involvement program will be developed to effectively encourage public participation and engage area business and property owners, neighbors, CSU students and faculty, and citizens. The staff and consultant team will develop an outreach program that incorporates many opportunities for engagement such as interactive online activities and surveys, focus group sessions, presentation roadshows, advisory committee meetings, workshops, and open house meetings. Regular updates will be provided to Boards and Commissions, City Council, and civic organizations. Page 4 of 12 SCOPE OF WORK CONSIDERATIONS City staff will lead management of the project, oversee community engagement, and revise the Plan document. The staff will perform the bulk of time-intensive tasks including public outreach, analysis, plan document development, interdepartmental coordination, and final quality control, with technical support provided by consultants. The consultant will perform supporting tasks including, but not limited to, conducting assessment and analysis/mapping, preparation of plan documents and support during the public outreach process. Technical expertise in land use/transportation/parking modelling and street/urban design will be provided by the consultant. The consultant will work collaboratively with staff to identify and address data needs, model land use and transportation options, coordinate with CSU regarding its development of master planning and stadium impacts, develop design alternatives for Prospect Road, evaluate transportation system alternatives, and produce a preliminary design (30%) for the preferred Prospect Road design (College to Shields). The draft scope of work outlined below is for the overall project and has been prepared to help guide project discussions. The specific “division of labor” between staff and consultant will be determined through negotiation with the successful consultant based on how the consultant’s qualifications and experience fit into the needs of the project. In its proposal, the consultant is encouraged to propose new and innovative approaches to completing the plan update. The consultant will need to define its proposed role in the preparation of the plan, highlighting areas of expertise. GUIDING PLANS AND DOCUMENTS Some key documents for reference include: • 1999 West Central Neighborhoods Plan: http://www.fcgov.com/advanceplanning/pdf/w-central-neighborhood-doc.pdf • 2011 City Plan: www.fcgov.com/planfortcollins/pdf/cityplan.pdf • 2011 Transportation Master Plan: www.fcgov.com/planfortcollins/pdf/tmp.pdf • 2013 Student Housing Action Plan: http://www.fcgov.com/advanceplanning/pdf/shap- doc.pdf • 2011 Pedestrian Plan: http://www.fcgov.com/planfortcollins/pdf/ped-plan.pdf • 2008 Bicycle Plan: www.fcgov.com/bicycling/pdf/bike_plan-2008.pdf • 2009 Transfort Strategic Plan: www.fcgov.com/transfort/plan-index.php STUDY ADMINISTRATION Ted Shepard, Chief Planner (Community Development and Neighborhood Services), and Amy Lewin, Transportation Planner (FC Moves) will serve as the City of Fort Collins project managers for the plan update. The consultant will confer/meet with the project managers regularly to review study progress, present working papers and study findings, and solicit direction. The process will be guided by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) as well as a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) comprised of neighbors, business interests, CSU and other stakeholders. Technical working groups and/or neighborhood focus groups may be used to support the TAC and CAC’s understanding of the project at key phases. Regularly-scheduled Page 5 of 12 meetings with the TAC and CAC will allow the consultant to build and maintain the close working relationship essential for the project’s success. Working drafts developed during the study will circulate to the TAC and CAC for review and comment. Relevant comments and requests will be incorporated into the working drafts and final documents. SCHEDULE The WCAP update is scheduled to be completed and presented to City Council for adoption in March 2015. The anticipated schedule for task completion is as follows: Jan. – Mar. 2014 Project Initiation/Existing & Future Conditions Analysis (Tasks 1 & 2) Mar. – Apr. 2014 Consultant Selection Apr. – June 2014 Transportation System Analysis & Visioning (Task 3) July – Aug. 2014 Framework/Alternatives Development & Evaluation (Tasks 4, 5 & 6) Sept. – Oct. 2014 Plan Development (Tasks 7, 8, 9 & 10) Nov. 2014 – Jan. 2015 Preparation of Final Plan & Implementation Approach (Tasks 11 & 12) Feb. – Mar. 2015 Adoption Process The consultant and staff teams are expected to participate in a minimum of six meetings of City boards (Transportation Board and Planning and Zoning Board), four work session updates and final recommendation hearings for the Planning and Zoning Board and/or City Council, one City Council Work Session, a City Council hearing, and major public outreach events. SCOPE OF WORK Phase 1 Project Initiation/Existing Conditions Task 1: Define Parameters of Update Process City project management staff has initiated the following subtasks: • Develop an initial work program to guide the study effort • Establish a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), and identify key stakeholders and collaborators • Meet with key internal stakeholders to refine the project purpose and issues to be addressed • Identify initial public outreach tasks and prepare a public involvement plan outline • Refine scope of work with detailed study tasks, roles and responsibilities, objectives, and deliverables • Refine schedule to identify key milestones and deliverable due dates Page 6 of 12 • Develop a Public Involvement Plan (including TAC/CAC schedule) • Create project website • Define strategy to coordinate with relevant ongoing and recently completed studies • Define roles and approach to coordination with FC Moves, other city departments, and CSU Task 2: Existing Conditions The second task will provide a comprehensive understanding of the past, present, and future conditions of the WCAP area and Prospect Road Corridor. This task will provide the basis for the development of a vision and concept alternatives. The consultants will develop and collaborate with staff on the following subtasks: a. Review of Existing Plans i. Gather and review relevant plans, data, and resources from city departments, CSU, and other agencies ii. Review 1999 West Central Neighborhoods Plan goals, policies, and implementation actions for relevance in plan update b. Existing Conditions i. Existing physical overview (land use and existing development, bike facilities, pedestrian facilities, historic buildings/features, floodplain and drainage, natural areas and features, cultural, utilities, safety, viewsheds and scenic features, land ownership, etc.) ii. Existing operational overview (traffic volumes, vehicle/bike/pedestrian Levels-of-Service, crash history, transit service, parking inventory and issues, etc.) iii. Existing influence conditions (zoning and regulations, socioeconomic conditions, demographics, business and employment, regional, city, corridor, etc.) iv. Develop GIS mapping and summary of data and analysis c. Future Conditions i. Future planned infrastructure improvements ii. Development proposals; future land use and population, employment, and socioeconomic projections (regionally, city, corridor) Page 7 of 12 iii. Future traffic conditions, Levels-of-Service iv. Planned transit service v. Planned growth on the CSU Main and South campuses vi. Challenges and constraints related to current zoning (e.g., HMN district) vii. Relevant actions in adopted plans viii. Develop GIS mapping and conclusions d. Identification of Existing and Future Issues, Opportunities and Needs i. Neighborhood listening sessions to identify and improve understanding of key issues, opportunities, and needs. ii. Summary of issues, opportunities, and needs for the West Central Area and the Prospect Corridor e. Develop Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Analysis Maps for the West Central Area Plan and Prospect Corridor Plan i. Brainstorming session with TAC Consultant Deliverables • Transportation: Existing transportation conditions summary, detailed measurements of Prospect Road, infrastructure inventory, conflict point identification, existing cross sections, safety data, daily and peak hour volumes and turning movements for collector and arterial network, transit ridership and operations data, bicycle and pedestrian LOS, projected future baseline conditions, TBL Analysis Map for Prospect Corridor • Land Use/Neighborhood Character: Summary of issues, opportunities, and needs for the project area, TBL Analysis Map for West Central Area Plan • Public Involvement: Participation at TAC #1, CAC #1, and neighborhood listening sessions • Integration: Brief memo describing efforts to coordinate and integrate the WCAP with concurrent planning efforts throughout the planning process (e.g., CSU Master Plan, Fort Collins Bike Plan, etc.). Phase 2 Reconfirm Plan Vision/Frameworks The consultants will develop and collaborate with staff on the following subtasks: Page 8 of 12 Task 3: Visioning This task will involve reassessing the existing plan vision, capturing the latest thinking on such elements as land use, transportation, open lands, safety, and compatibility. The vision will be based on findings from Task 2, public involvement and feedback from stakeholders, and guidance from City Council. The Public Involvement Plan will be a key resource in establishing a community- supported vision by providing a range of effective community engagement techniques that involve many different stakeholders within the plan area. The vision will capture the imagination in text and graphics that are rich in detail and reflect the desired character of the neighborhoods and districts within the West Central Area, specifically addressing the vision for the Prospect Corridor. Consultant Deliverables • Prospect Corridor: Purpose and Need Statement, Prospect Corridor vision • West Central Area Plan: Vision for West Central Area (including neighborhood character, transportation, and natural systems components) • Public Involvement: Materials, facilitation, and summary of public, TAC, and CAC meetings Task 4: Framework / Alternatives Development 4.a Prospect Corridor Alternatives Development Based on Task 2 and Task 3 results, a set of concept alternatives will be developed to achieve the vision by means of a new framework plan. The Public Involvement Plan, developed as part of Task 1, will reflect how the alternatives will be vetted through an open, interactive and innovative public process ultimately leading to a final preferred framework plan. 4.b West Central Area Framework Development Land use, transportation, natural systems, and other opportunities will be explored and developed into frameworks that will be further evaluated in Task 5. Elements of the frameworks should include, at a minimum, the following elements: Land Use: • Existing land uses • Future land uses • Vacant and redevelopment areas • Open lands, natural areas, viewsheds, stream corridors (especially Spring Creek) • Parks, schools, and trails Page 9 of 12 • Identified neighborhood areas and business districts • Neighborhood character protection and enhancement • Housing and income diversity • Potential zoning or regulatory changes • CSU and CSURF, on-campus stadium and supporting facilities Transportation: • Proposed changes to existing street classifications or design • Median and access design (arterial streets) • Stormwater design, including Low Impact Development (LID) concepts • Bicycle and pedestrian improvements and connections (including multimodal LOS methodology) • Transit improvements and connections • Parking capacity, needs and management Consultant Deliverables • Prospect Corridor: Up to 3 corridor alternatives (plus baseline) for the Prospect Corridor, including modal splits, road, transit, bike, and pedestrian improvements, low/medium/high costing, conceptual design detail for each corridor alternative, and performance characteristics (multimodal LOS) • West Central Area Plan: Land use, transportation, and natural systems frameworks • Public Involvement: Materials, facilitation, and summary of public, TAC, and CAC meetings Task 5: Alternatives and Frameworks Evaluation - Triple Bottom Line Analysis This task includes evaluation of the Prospect Corridor alternatives and West Central Area frameworks according to Triple Bottom Line principles and evaluation methodology (see link: http://zeus.fcgov.com/utils- procedures/index.php/Triple_Bottom_Line). A few specific evaluation criteria could include: Social: a. Community character and neighborhood protection b. Housing opportunities c. Proximity/connections to shopping, neighborhood services d. Impacts of project on adjacent properties/neighborhoods Page 10 of 12 e. Safety f. Multimodal mobility Environmental: g. Air and water quality h. Open space, natural resources, and scenic features i. Floodplains j. Low-impact development (LID) features k. Drainage and stormwater management l. Bicycle and pedestrian mobility m. Traffic congestion / operations (including parking) n. Transit service Economic: o. Employment opportunities p. Fiscal considerations q. Estimated cost for construction, operations and maintenance Consultant Deliverables • Prospect Corridor: Evaluation technical report, alternatives evaluation summary, Triple Bottom Line check-in/verification • West Central Area Plan: Evaluation technical report, framework evaluation summary, Triple Bottom Line check-in/verification • Public Involvement: Materials, facilitation, and summary of public, TAC, and CAC meetings Task 6: Prospect Corridor Preferred Alternative Based on the evaluation of alternatives and the public engagement process, a preferred alternative for Prospect Corridor will be selected and further refined as necessary. Consultant Deliverables • Prospect Corridor: Preferred alternative summary with graphics, Prospect Corridor preliminary (30% engineered) design, cost estimates Phase 3 Plan Development Task 7: Neighborhood Projects Based on the West Central Area frameworks, a list of projects will be developed that address the most significant issues, opportunities, and needs in the area. Through close coordination with relevant City departments, CSU, and other agencies, the list of projects should be refined and prioritized. Implementation of these projects will be further addressed in Tasks 10 and 11. Consultant Deliverables Page 11 of 12 • West Central Area Plan: List of prioritized projects for the West Central Area. Task 8: On-Campus Stadium Impacts (optional task) Depending on the outcome of the CSU on-campus stadium feasibility study, potential impacts of the stadium on the Prospect Corridor and the surrounding West Central Area will be evaluated. To the extent possible, data and findings on noise, lighting, traffic, and parking from the CSU study will be incorporated into this planning process. Strategies for mitigating the potential impacts will be identified and evaluated for inclusion in the plan. Consultant Deliverables • Prospect Corridor: Identification of potential impacts and mitigation strategies specific to the Prospect Corridor. • West Central Area Plan: Identification of potential impacts and mitigation strategies for the West Central Area as a whole. Task 9: Policy Development This task will involve reassessing the existing policies in the West Central Neighborhoods Plan and identifying a new set of policy directives based on the vision, preferred framework plan, prioritized project list, and public input to date. Consultant Deliverables • West Central Area Plan: Updated policy structure and text for inclusion in the plan. • Public Involvement: TAC and CAC materials, facilitation, and summary. Task 10: Strategies This task will include the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of strategies to implement the plan vision and preferred framework plan. For each policy, strategy options will be identified to establish a foundation for implementation. Consultant Deliverables • West Central Area Plan and Prospect Corridor: Prioritized list of implementation strategies for inclusion in the plan. • Public Involvement: TAC and CAC materials, facilitation, and summary. Phase 4 Plan Implementation/Adoption The consultants will develop and collaborate with staff on the following subtasks: Task 11: Implementation Action Plan Page 12 of 12 This task will include an assessment of specific actions that will implement the priority list of recommended strategy options from previous phases for the Prospect Corridor and the West Central Area. The findings of this assessment will be formalized in an action plan table that includes roles and responsibilities, timeframe and potential funding. This task will also include phasing and a process for monitoring the performance of improvements. The detailed funding plan will identify the most likely funding sources for each strategy, aligned with current budget and future budget cycles and Capital Improvement Plans, and steps needed to pursue and acquire the funding. Consultant Deliverables • West Central Area Plan and Prospect Corridor: Implementation summary, phasing recommendation and costing, recommended implementation schedule, funding strategies, specific action items, and process for ongoing monitoring of plan implementation Task 12: West Central Area Plan Preparation and Adoption This task includes compiling information and deliverables from the previous tasks and public involvement into a draft plan document, managing the public review process, making edits and refinements, and submitting a final plan for adoption. The final plan will be organized and formatted in a way that can be easily understood and interpreted by members of the public, decision-makers, and staff. The plan document will reflect a high level of visual graphics to support language in the plan, including charts, illustrations, maps, photos and other images necessary to portray information in a clear and concise manner. Technical language (jargon) should be minimized. An executive summary will be provided, along with introductions for each chapter and summaries of information included in an appendix. Consultant Deliverables • Prospect Corridor: Prospect Corridor Plan component of the overall plan, including: existing conditions summary, purpose and need, vision, alternatives description and evaluation summary, preferred alternative summary, corridor design (as an appendix), implementation summary, and supporting graphics. • West Central Area Plan: Draft and final formatted West Central Area Plan, including: existing conditions summary, vision, framework description and evaluation summary, neighborhood projects, policies, strategies, implementation and monitoring plan, and supporting graphics. • Public Involvement: Public, TAC and CAC meeting materials, facilitation, and summary; participation in City Council work session(s) and hearing. West Central Area Plan / Prospect Corridor Design Timeline TASK JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR o o o ● o ● o ● CC o ● CC Task 6: Prospect Corridor Preferred Alt. Task 7: Neighborhood Projects Task 8: On-Campus Stadium Impacts Task 9: Policy Development o ● CC o ● CC Legend o CC ● Task 11: Implementation Action Plan Task 12: West Central Area Plan Preparation & Adoption 2014 2015 PHASE 1: PROJECT INITIATION & EXISTING CONDITIONS PHASE 2: RECONFIRM PLAN VISION & FRAMEWORKS PHASE 3: PLAN DEVELOPMENT PHASE 4: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION & ADOPTION Task 1: Project Initiation Task 2: Existing & Future Conditions Analysis Task 3: Visioning Task 4: Framework & Alternatives Development Task 5: Alternatives & Framework Evaluation (TBL) Task 10: Strategy Devleopment West Central Area Plan City Council Work Sessions/Hearings Prospect Corridor Design Neighborhood Mtgs/Roadshows Workshops/Events 1 West Central Neighborhoods Plan Transportation Appropriation Second Reading Regular City Council Meeting March 4, 2014 2 West Central Neighborhoods Plan • Adopted in 1999 • To be updated in 2014 • Appropriation approved in last BFO cycle • Initial outreach indicates a need for expanded transportation element 3 This Transportation Appropriation • Appropriates $170,000 to expand the WCNP transportation element – Enhanced network analysis – Area-wide transportation modeling – Preliminary design for Prospect (College to Shields) • Will provide new baseline data • Stadium planning and CSU Master Plan are parallel but separate 4 5 • 16 total Area Plans • Provide detail appropriate to neighborhood scale • Address growth but not individual development impacts • Appropriated through City budget process Area Plans - 1 - ORDINANCE NO. 024, 2014 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES IN THE KEEP FORT COLLINS GREAT FUND TO FUND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOODS PLAN WHEREAS, the West Central Neighborhoods Plan (the “Plan”) which was established in 1999, encompasses the neighborhoods south and west of Colorado State University (“CSU”) campus; and WHEREAS, the Plan area includes commercial and institutional uses as well as the highest residential density of any planning area in Fort Collins; and WHEREAS, the Transportation element of the Plan is in need of an update in light of CSU on-campus expansion, student population growth, additional area development, automobile congestion mitigation needs, and deficiencies of sidewalks, bike lanes, and parking facilities; and WHEREAS, the update will address transportation facilities and services for the “Prospect Corridor,” (the portion of Prospect Road between College Avenue and South Shields Street) review of existing conditions, identifying data needs, establishing a transportation vision, CSU campus development, potential on-campus stadium impacts, updates to existing network plans, and evaluating design alternatives for Prospect Road; and WHEREAS, the FC Moves Department is requesting a one-time appropriation of $170,000 from existing reserves in the Keep Fort Collins Great Other Transportation Reserve to fund consulting services associated with the development of the Transportation Element of the Plan update; and WHEREAS, if appropriated, these funds will supplement $135,000 of previously approved funding for consulting services to update the land use, housing, and urban design elements of the Plan; and WHEREAS, the consolidation of funds will result in considerable efficiencies in public expenditure, outreach and engagement, sharing of data and design concepts between land use and transportation, and utilizing a single consultation team to serve both land and transportation updates to the Plan; and WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9, of the City Charter permits the City Council to appropriate by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year such funds for expenditure as may be available from reserves accumulated in prior years, notwithstanding that such reserves were not previously appropriated; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that there is hereby appropriated for expenditure from reserves in the Keep - 2 - Fort Collins Great Fund the sum of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($170,000) to support the update of the West Central Neighborhoods Plan in 2014. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 18th day of February, A.D. 2014, and to be presented for final passage on the 4th day of March, A.D. 2014. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 4th day of March, A.D. 2014. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk W MULBERRY ST W PROSPECT RD